Cyclone 'Midhili' crosses coast, weakens into deep depression: Met office

The cyclonic storm "Midhili" over the northwest Bay has moved north-northeastwards and completed crossing the coast at 3pm on Friday (17 November). 

It has weakened into a deep depression and now lies over Patuakhali and adjoining areas, according to the special bulletin of Bangladesh Meteorological Department.

The cyclone that is likely to move northeastwards further inland and weaken gradually by giving precipitation. 

However, a steep pressure gradient persists over north bay under the influence of the cyclone.

According to the met office, squally weather may continue over the maritime ports, north bay and adjoining coastal areas of the country. 

Maritime ports of Mongla and Payra have been advised to lower danger signal no 7 but instead to hoist local cautionary signal no 3. 

Maritime ports of Chattogram and Cox's Bazar have been advised to lower danger signal no 6 but instead to hoist local cautionary signal no 3. 

All fishing boats and trawlers over north Bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice.

Midhili expected to enter Tripura by 7pm

Cyclone Midhili is expected to enter the Indian state of Tripura by 7pm.

According to Mostofa Kamal Palash, weather and climate researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, the strongest part of the cyclone is currently located over the districts of Barishal, Chattogram and Dhaka divisions and there is a strong chance of 100% landfall by 6pm.

Analysing satellite imagery, he said the cyclone's centre moved over land around 3:30pm.

Rainfall may continue in the districts of Khulna and Dhaka divisions till 7pm, he said.

In the districts of Chattogram division, rainfall may continue till 10pm, however, in Sylhet and Mymensingh divisions rain may continue till 12am, he added.

Heavy rainfall in Barishal, all 541 cyclone shelters prepared

Barishal experienced continuous rain since Thursday (16 November) night as Cyclone Midhili approaches the coast.

Despite the heavy rainfall, no river in the region has crossed the danger level yet.

The Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) halted the movement of all water vessels in the early morning of Friday due to continuous rain. 

The continuous rainfall in Barishal caused inconvenience to the residents in their daily commute.

Ahead of the cyclone, Barishal's Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam said the district administration has taken comprehensive preparations to face cyclone Midhili.

There are a total of 541 shelters in Barishal district, all of which have been prepared to provide refuge to the affected people.

Coastal residents left home for cyclone shelters in Bagerhat 

Locals in Bagerhat's Sharankhola, Mongla, and Morelganj sub-districts moved to cyclone shelter as the sub-district administrations and volunteers make announcements and urge coastal residents to do so since Friday morning. 

Meanwhile, cargo handling remained halted at Mongla port due to the cyclone. 

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Md Khalid Hossain said the district has Tk900,000 cash and 650 metric tons of rice for emergency aid. Also, 359 cyclone shelters have been prepared.

Communication with several fishing boats lost in Bagerhat

With some of the fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay of Bengal, deep sea and along the Sundarbans successfully going into safe shelter, communications with several fishing trawlers have been lost in Bagerhat. 

Bagerhat experienced heavy rainfall since Thursday night with stormy wind. The water level in rivers and canals has risen by 1 to 2 feet above normal. 

Officials from the Water Development Board are monitoring the risky dam areas in Sharankhola's Gabtoli. 

Deep sea fishing boats asked to remain in safe harbour until further notice in Cox's Bazar

Fishing boats and trawlers operating in the Bay of Bengal and deep sea were asked to remain in the safe harbour until further notice.

Cox's Bazar has been experiencing drizzles since the morning. 

609 cyclone shelters prepared in Chattogram

Chattogram has 609 shelters (116 in the metropolitan area and 493 in the district) prepared to ensure. 

Chattogram has 471 bags of dry food, 244 metric tons of rice, clean water, and Tk22,30,000 ready for emergency distribution. 

The district also has other emergency relief materials, cattle feed, child food, blankets, and orsaline.

Deputy Commissioner Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakhruzzaman said all sorts of preparations have been made to address any potential disaster.